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Sparfloxacin

    Brands

    DEA Class;  Rx

    Common Brand Names; Zagam

    • Fluoroquinolones

    Sparfloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used to treat bacterial respiratory infections and sinusitis.

    For the treatment of adults with the following infections caused by susceptible strains microorganisms: community-acquired pneumonia (caused by Chlamydia pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Haemophilus parainfluenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, or Streptococcus pneumoniae) and acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis (caused by Chlamydia pneumoniae, Enterobacter cloacae, Haemophilus influenzae, Haemophilus parainfluenzae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Staphylococcus aureus, or Streptococcus pneumoniae).

    Sparfloxacin is contraindicated for individuals with a history of hypersensitivity or photosensitivity reactions.

    Torsade de pointes has been reported in patients receiving sparfloxacin concomitantly with disopyramide and amiodarone. Consequently, sparfloxacin is contraindicated for individuals receiving these drugs as well as other QTc-prolonging antiarrhythmic drugs reported to cause torsade de pointes, such as class Ia antiarrhythmic agents (e.g., quinidine, procainamide), class III antiarrhythmic agents (e.g., sotalol), and bepridil. Sparfloxacin is contraindicated in patients with known QTc prolongation or in patients being treated concomitantly with medications known to produce an increase in the QTc interval and/or torsade de pointes (e.g., terfenadine). 

    It is essential to avoid exposure to the sun, bright natural light, and UV rays throughout the entire duration of treatment and for 5 days after treatment is stopped. Sparfloxacin is contraindicated in patients whose life-style or employment will not permit compliance with required safety precautions concerning phototoxicity. 

    If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking sparfloxacin and seek emergency medical attention:

    • an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);

    • irregular heartbeats;

    • chest pain, chest discomfort, shortness of breath, or swelling of your legs or feet;

    • severe dizziness;

    • seizures;

    • confusion or hallucinations;

    • liver damage (yellowing of the skin or eyes, nausea, abdominal pain or discomfort, unusual bleeding or bruising, severe fatigue); or

    • muscle or joint pain.

    If you experience any of the following less serious side effects, continue taking sparfloxacin and talk to your doctor:

    • nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation;

    • headache, lightheadedness, or drowsiness;

    • ringing in the ears; or

    • increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight.

    –

    Pregnancy Category C. 

    Lactation

    Sparfloxacin is excreted in human milk. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in infants nursing from mothers taking sparfloxacin, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother. 

    Usual Adult Dose for Bronchitis:

    Acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis:
    400 mg orally once as a loading dose, followed by 200 mg orally once a day thereafter for a total of 10 days.

    Usual Adult Dose for Leprosy — Borderline:

    200 mg orally daily.

    Therapy may be required for several months to 1 year, depending on clinical and histopathological response.

    Sparfloxacin has been used successfully in a limited number of patients either alone, or followed by the WHO recommended regimen of rifampin, dapsone, and clofazimine.

    Usual Adult Dose for Leprosy — Lepromatous:

    200 mg orally daily.

    Therapy may be required for several months to 1 year, depending on clinical and histopathological response.

    Sparfloxacin has been used successfully in a limited number of patients either alone, or followed by the WHO recommended regimen of rifampin, dapsone, and clofazimine.

    Usual Adult Dose for Pneumonia:

    Community-acquired pneumonia:
    400 mg orally once as a loading dose, followed by 200 mg orally once a day thereafter for a total of 10 days.

    Sparfloxacin 

    Tablet

    • 200mg